Answer to Question #337025 in General Chemistry for Austine

Question

1.     Describe the type of bonding that exists in the F₂(g) molecule. How does this type of bonding differ from that found in the HF(g) molecule? How is it similar?

Answer 1

In F₂, the bonding is pure covalent with the electron pair shared equally between the two chlorine atoms. In HF there is a shared pair of electrons, but the shared pair is drawn more closely to the chlorine atom, making the bond polar.